Did you know that Special Olympics is the largest health care organization for people with intellectual disabilities (ID)?

It’s true –– and our work to promote and provide inclusive and equitable health care for all has never been more essential. Here’s the sad truth right now: people with ID are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

As Special Olympics’ Chief Health Officer, I treat and care for athletes every day of the year. I’m committed to providing quality health care that helps athletes thrive on and off the field. This work has never been more important to me than it is now.

I will NOT let athletes and people with ID be forgotten during this global public health crisis. Are you with me? Sign our one-click petition today:

People with ID are among the most medically underserved in the world. They die 20 years earlier than the rest of us from causes that are preventable — like respiratory disease. In fact, they are more at risk of respiratory illness, of pneumonia and are far more likely to die of pneumonia than the rest of us. They suffer needlessly from untreated pain and diseases misdiagnosed as behaviors (psychiatric illness), from blindness, hearing loss, and other conditions because they do not get the health services they need. We cannot let this discrimination continue –– especially during the current public health crisis. 

Through Special Olympics’ Inclusive Health programs, my team works every day to create a world where people with ID have every opportunity to be healthy. That hasn’t changed –– but the need has. We’re dedicated to ensuring that they get access to all of the health services — like preventive care, COVID testing and ventilators — available to people who do not have ID.  We must continue to protect and provide care for athletes and people with ID who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic.

If you agree, click to sign our petition and commit to supporting athletes during this critical time.

Thank you,

Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer